In praise of Kafkaesque works

 Hello Charlie!

During the holidays I discovered an author which is now one of my favourites ones; Haruki Murakami! What attracted me in his writings was the eerie and kind of Kafkaesque writing style he has. I am a huge fan of Kafka (you can consider him my main man as a matter of fact). 

Kafkaesque is a literary genre to which people started referring to when a work has that unique out of this world and almost daunting sort of vibes that Kafka's work has. People can often find this kind of works incomprehensible and illogical, but I believe that is the beauty and comfort in them

So here are some recommendations of authors and books that are kafkaesque;

- Haruki Murakami, a japanese author whose most noticeable works are Kafka on the Shore, 1Q84 and Norwegian Woods. Sadly I haven't yet read Norwegian Woods but I can say that his others works are magnificent! The ties that progressively build up between characters in his books companied of random events that will either make wonder what in hell what he thinking when he wrote that or stare in astonishment are worth the 500+ pages books! I also recommend Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage if you want an easier and funnier read, it is a bit heart-breaking as well. I must warm you all that the descriptions of women and sexual scenes in his books are definitely special and a bit uncomfortable but if you skip them and pretend the subtle misogyny in them don't exist is a great author!

- The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro

Now, this has become my favourite novel by far, I must highlight the absolute absurd aspect of this book. Personally I like reading books without knowing the synopsis, I prefer knowing the praises or prizes or the themes it treats, and I recommend doing the same with this book! Not knowing a single thing about the story adds depth to the already deeply complicated story and the randomness of some scenes will be enjoyed more!(you may notice as well how Ishiguro is slowly becoming a main man of mine!)

Sadly, that is all for the moment, I am working my way though on works written by women and will try to read Ottesa Mospegh as soon as I can.

I anyone has any recommendations I will very gladly accept them!

Thank you for reading my post :)

Best Gossip Girl locations in New York !

Hey Charlie, hey upper east siders , I have the biggest news ever.

Today we are going to be breaking down 3 of the most iconic places of your favorite show , let’s get started !

We’re starting off strong with the very first place shown in the show : 

Grand central terminal , 89 E 42nd St , New York

Located in Midtown Manhattan , Grand Central is the southern terminus of the Metro-North-Railroad's Harlem, Hudson and New heaven Lines, serving the northern parts of the New York metropolitan areas.

The place has a very special architecture, including Beaux-arts designs.

Grand central is one of the world’s ten most visited tourist attractions with 21 million visitors in 2018, featured in television, films & series like in Gossip Girl.

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 It is one of the most important places to visit as a G&G Fan.

The come back of the one and only Serena Van Der Woodsen after she had mysteriously disappeared for some boarding school. How interesting? 

Tanks Mel for the photo

Let’s continue with ; The metropolitan Museum, 1000 5th avenue , New York.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also referred to as the Met, is an encyclopedic museum in New York cityt is the fourth largest museum in the world and the largest museum in the americas

With 5.36 million visitors in 2023, it is the most visited museum in the USA.

In 2000, its permanent collection had over two million works; it currently lists a total of 1.5 million works.The collection is divided into 17 curatorial departments.

The met was founded in 1870 with its mission to bring art and art education to the American people. 

In G&G the stairs of the met is where Queen B ( Blair Waldorf ) hangs out with her minions before class.

In this precise photo little J hands her the invitations she made for THE Blair’s kiss on the lips party ,trust me you don’t wanna miss this party.

And last but not least, Central Park .

Central Park is a beautiful urban park between the Upper West side and upper east side neighborhoods of Manhattan in NYC that was the first landscaped park in the United States.

The creation was first proposed in the 1840s and the construction began in 1857.

Most importantly, Central Park and to be exact, Bethesda Terrace is where Blair Waldorf and Chuck bass got married in the very last season of the show , episode 10 named « New York, I Love You XOXO. »

After years of tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship , our two lovers finally decided to get married amidst a major crisis. They finally got their happily ever after .

The show’s glamorous description of Manhattan’s elite with the ongoing mystery of Gossip Girl’s identity has won the hearts of millions of fans from 2007 to nowadays.

                                                                                                 XOXO G&G

                                                                                                   ( I wish )

The Transformative Power of Kundalini Yoga: A Journey of Awakening

Hi charlie!! 

Kundalini is often referred as "the yoga of awareness". Indeed , yoga Kundalini is not just a type of exercise, it is a profund practice of awakening kundalini energy that integrates mind, body and soul. Yoga kundalini originally derives of Kundalini that can be defined in tantra as ernergy that lies within the body, usually at the base of the spine or at the navel.

In this blog, we'll explore what Kundalini Yoga is ,how it works and the profound benefits it offers for those seeking more than just physical well-being.

What Is Kundalini Yoga?

Originally, Kundalini Yoga is made of the practice of: breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), meditation, and chanting of mantras that activates the body's energy system due to creating a dynamic practice of it. The main goal is to awaken the Kundalini energy, often symbolized as a serpent coiled at the base of the spine, and guide it through the seven chakras (energy centers) to the crown of the head. 

Kundalini focuses on the development of consciousness and on the flow of the energy, instead of focusing on relaxation, flexibility or strenght like the other forms of yoga.

The Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. While many people come to yoga for physical fitness, Kundalini Yoga offers something more profound: it helps to bring balance, harmony, and a deeper connection to our inner self.

1. Physical Health
   It strenghtens the body: Kundalini Yoga involves a combination of dynamic movements, static poses (asanas), and repetitive motions. It improves Flexibility: Many poses are about stretching. The practice also promotes detoxification through the breath, allowing the body to release toxins.

2. Mental Clarity
   Kundalini has the ability to release stress and clear and calm the mind. Breathwork, meditation, and chanting can help reduce anxiety, improve focus... The mind becomes sharper, like, making decisions become easier because you're listening more to your intuition.

3. Emotional Balance                                                                                                                  Kundalini Yoga helps emotional healing. By working through the chakras,                                      you can release stored emotional pain and trauma, allowing for deep personal transformation. 

thank you for reading my blog!!

The Friendly RPG Where Nobody Has To Die

Toby Fox · Fallen Down (Reprise)

Hello Charlie ! Let me introduce you today to a game who’s 9th anniversary was less than a week ago (09.15.2015) and who had a huge impact on the Internet.

WHAT IS UNDERTALE EVEN ABOUT ?

In a world where humans and monsters share earth and sky as home, a war broke out between the two races.

The war was won by humans and as a levy, monsters were banished by humans from living on the surface. This led to the creation of a subterranean world called the Underground, where the monsters would live in hopes of seeing the sun again.

You, as a human child, accidentally fall from a mountain and find yourself in this world. Your goal is to avoid conflict with the monsters you meet on your path and to make it back to the surface safely. That will not be an easy task, as the monsters need a human soul to break the magic seal trapping them underground…

UNDERTALE AS A GAME

Undertale knows it’s position as a game and does not hesitate to use it to it's advantage. In most Role-Playing Games (RPGs), your goal is simple : Gain experience by fighting to make your level higher. Undertale twists this narrative by giving a whole new combat system :

You now have the choice to SPARE or KILL monsters, and each choice will be remembered by the game. Everything you do, every action and interaction you have will not be forgotten and will play a central part in the way the story goes out, so it's up to you if you want to make it back home by making new friends or assassinating every being on your way.

UNDERTALE AS A STORY

Undertale is a story about morality, oppression and the cycle of vengeance, about whether or not the end justifies the means. The story is insanely immersive and the characters, with their brilliantly crafted diverse personalities are unforgettable in so many ways.

Of course, the story and behaviors of the characters depend on your actions and depending on what you do or who you kill, your impact on the Underground will differ.

OVERALL

Undertale has affected me and internet as a whole in very unexpected ways. It’s new gameplay mechanics paired with it’s diverse characters, stupid puns and tragic story has left an impact on a great amount of people. Robert "Toby" Fox (The creator, writer and composer)’s amazing writing and humor made this game an incredible experience and made it in multiple awards (like it’s nomination for the British Academy Game Awards for Best Story)

Undertale is also very known for it's incredibly popular soundtrack, which you MUST’VE have heard if you spent any time on the internet.(I am so serious, when playing the game for the first time I would point at my screen every second and yell “OH SO THAT’S WHERE THAT SONG IS FROM!!!!")

Thank you for reading this post ! I hope you enjoyed it, because I know I did enjoy writing it. Please do leave a comment whether it is to give your opinion on this review or just to talk about Undertale. I'm all ears when it comes to talking about Undertale trust me.

Assets and images used in this post are from Undertale and belong to the Undertale team and Toby Fox

The 5 greatest Premier League managers of all-time

 

The 5 greatest Premier League managers of all-time

Hi Charlie, today I am going to talk about the 5 GREATEST MANAGERS OF ALL TIME IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE. Before I start to talk about the managers, I would like to precise that it is my opinion so I hope I don't enter on a football debate.

Managing a club at the highest level requires a manager to not just be tactical but to also have the ability to demonstrate leadership in the dressing room.

There have been instances in football in which tacticians that were clever have fallen short against pure courage and determination.

In order to succeed, a manager needs to have a good team and great strategies.

The Premier League (PL) has been home to some of the greatest players but also the best coaches of all time.

From a man who guided his club to the title without losing any game in an entire season to someone who got his club to a hundred points on the table, the PL have seen some of the very best in action.

So, who makes the top 5?

5. Claudio Ranieri

In 2015-16, before the start of the season people were sure that the PL champion was going to be either Manchester City or Chelsea.

Manchester United, under Louis Van Gaal were also tipped by many to go for the title

However, on the end of the season, Leicester City, a small club under Claudio Ranieri realised one of football's greatest achievements.

Ranieri’s unbelievable achievement won him the Premier League Manager of the Year, LMA Manager of the Year, European Coach of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year (coach) awards. It also won him the best FIFA Football Coach award.

He might not be the PL greatest manager but he certainly achieved one of the best feats.

4. Jose Mourinho

Jose Morinho is considered as one of the best coach of PL because with Chealsea he broke the 2 dominating club: Man U and Arsenal.

He won 3 PL with Chealsea but also won four league Cups and one Europa League with Chealsea and Man U.

His Chealsea team holds the record of conceding t
he least goals in PL (15).

A legend of the game and the PL.

3. Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger spent 22 years at Arsenal, winning three league titles and seven FA Cups.

Wenger, similar to Mourinho, revolutionished the PL. He was the first manager to pay attenton to nutrition and fitness and the imapct they had on players during a season.

Going unbeaten for the entire season, which the Gunners did in 2003-2004, is still something no team in the PL has match and probably never will.

2. Pep Guardiola 

Pep Guardiola signed for Manchester city in 2016. Since then he has won six Premier League title, 2 FA Cup, 4 Carabao Cup, 3 Community Shield but also the Champions League the Super Cup and the Club world cup.

The Spanish coach has dominated the league, consistenly getting 90 points or more and reaching the 100 milestone in the 2017-18 season. On top of that, he won the treble with City in the 22-23 season.

With Pep on the team, it does not look like City will be slowing down any time soon.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is arguably the best PL manager of all time. He won with Man U 13 PL titles, five FA cups and four league cups domestically. He also won two CL trophies, one Super Cup and one club world cup. 

Ferguson also won the treble with Manchester United.

He is famous because he managed to beat Liverpool's PL record of 18 titles.

He also created one of the best players of all time: Cristiano Ronaldo.

                        

                               AND HERE WERE THE 5 GREATEST MANAGER OF ALL TIME!!!

                           (I HOPE I DIDN'T DISAPPOINT THE LIVERPOOL AND MESSI FANS).

Why you NEED to watch Friends

 Hi Charlie ! Today I'm writing about my favorite TV show of all time : Friends. This article is for those who haven't watched it to convince you to do it and for those who already watch it to convince you to watch it again. For those who watch it, use unagi because there are a lot of references! 

To start, Friends is a TV show about six friends of thirty years old and all their sentimental adventures. The main characters are all related to each other and have their own special personality, so you have a hundred percent chance to recognize yourself through one or many of them. Let's meet them from the right to the left. 

To start we have Chandler Bing (played by Matthew Perry. Rest in peace). He is desperate for love and he makes jokes when he is uncomfortable. Then Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Anniston). She was a rich girl and decided to quit everything (because she didn't want to be a shoe but a hat). Now let's meet Ross Geller or doctor monkey (played by David Shwimzer). He is a paleontologist and loves dinosaurs but no one listens to him. He is divorced and has a terrible love life. Monica Geller (played by Courteney Cox), Ross's sister, is a cook. She is a perfectionist and loves to clean everything all the time. Joey Tribianni (played by Matt Leblanc) is the very attractive friend and loves to eat. He is an actor and cares a lot about all of his friends and family. And finally Phoebe Buffay is played by Lisa Kuddrow. She had a hard childhood but keeps smiling. She believes in spirits, ghosts and power, she is a musician and likes smelly cats.   

You need to watch Friends not only for the characters. This TV show is also very funny with iconic lines you'll never forget. There are hilarious jokes all the time and for all ages. You can watch it with your family, your friends and even alone. In Friends you will follow crazy adventures with love, fun, all sorts of animals and you will go through all emotions. It's a comfort show, there are episodes for when you're sad, happy, need to laugh or just when you are bored. The story is unbelievable and you'll want to binge watch it! 

Friends has an amazing cast I wrote about earlier but also has special guests! During the show you'll meet Brad Pitt, Julia Robert, Robin Williams and much more. 

If you're a fan of the 90's just go for it I promise you'll not be disappointed. 

thrifting or high end brands ?

 Hi Charlie ! 

 Today i'll be talking about How Thrift Shopping Became Cooler Than Designer Brands 

Remember when wearing secondhand

 clothes was something you'd never

 admit to? Like, "Oh, this? It's

 vintage." (AKA: my grandma's attic.)

 Well, times have changed, and thrift

 shopping is now the coolest thing to

 do way cooler than dropping hundreds

 on a designer bag. But why? It’s not

 just about saving money (although,

 let’s be real, that’s a major bonus).

 It’s about the thrill of the hunt,

 the excitement of finding a one of a

 kind piece no one else has, and ofcouse

being eco-friendly while looking gorgeous 

Celebs have even hopped on the trend.

 Zendaya and Billie Eilish have been

 spotted rocking thrift store finds,

 proving that “reused” is the new

 “couture.” Plus, platforms like Depop

 , Poshmark and vinted have taken

 thrifting to the next level turning

 it into a global treasure hunt where

 you can score vintage ‘fits without

 ever leaving your couch. (Yes, it’s

 possible to thrift in your pajamas!)

The best part? Thrift shopping isn’t

 just about following trends , it’s

 about making them. You’re not buying

 into the same old fast fashion

 everyone else is. Nope, you’re

 setting your own style rules, finding

 that weird-but-cool jacket no one

 else has, and probably spending less

 than you'd drop on a single pair of

 designer socks. So, when you see

 someone flaunting their thrifted

 sweater, remember: they’re not just

 stylish they’re part of a movement

 that’s cooler, smarter, and a whole

 lot more fun than any high-end brand could ever be.

In short: thrift shopping is where

 real fashionistas play. And honestly?

 The fact that you didn’t have to sell

 a kidney to afford it? Just a cherry on top.

so go thrifting.. now ! 

Determinism, what does it mean for moral responsibilty?

How can we reconcile the concept of free will with a deterministic universe? If all our actions are determined by prior events, can we truly be held accountable for our actions, what does this imply for moral responsibility?

Let me set some context, determinism is the philosophical theory that all events are determined by preceding causes. In a fully deterministic world, every event is the inevitable consequence of prior conditions.

Many philosophers have explored this doctrine, which resulted in three main views: Libertarian free will, Hard Determinism and Soft Determinism.

These three are separated into two: Compatibilism or Incompatibilism.

Compatibilism is the thesis that free will and determinism can coexist, so that free will would exist in a deterministic world. Soft Determinism is on this side.

Incompatibilism is the thesis that free will and determinism cannot coexist, both libertarian free will and hard determinism are on this side but not for the same reasons.

Libertarian free will asserts that individuals have genuine freedom to make choices, meaning their decisions are not predetermined by prior actions or external causes, they believe that free will cannot coexist with determinism which is why they are incompatibilists, like the contemporary philosopher Robert Kane, one of the leading defenders of libertarian free will, and Roderick Chisholm, a 20^th century philosopher.

Meanwhile, Hard Determinism is incompatibilists because they believe that free will altogether does not exist, because determinism is the absolute truth to them. It argues that since all events are predetermined, humans cannot act freely. Paul Thiry Barron D’Holbach, an 18^th century philosopher and staunch advocate of hard determinism, argued in his work ‘The system of Nature’ that everything in the universe is determined by physical causes, leaving no room for free will. Ted Honderich is another contemporary philosopher who defends Hard Determinism, in his work ‘A Theory of Determinism’.

Painting of Paul Thiry D'Holbach, by Carmontelle, 1766, museum of Condée, Chantilly.

Lastly, Soft Determinism state that free will doesn’t require total freedom from casual influences, but rather the ability to act according to one’s desires, motives and reasoning, even if those desires are shaped by prior causes, philosophers like David Hume and Daniel Dennett are the first examples that come to mind.

Now, the question this brings is IF we truly do live in a deterministic world, should we be praised for our achievements and held accountable for our mistakes if we did not truly have a choice in doing those actions, questioning the very base of moral responsibility.